Chile is a natural choice for gaining insight into the Latin American way of life. The diversity of Chile can be found in all corners of the country. Chile, meaning where the land ends, is one of the longest countries and boasts the southernmost city in the world. Arid deserts with hot springs, volcanoes, 4,000-year-old trees, and Patagonia glaciers mark the landscape. As a student, you'll have ample opportunity to explore and connect with all of Chile's cultural and ecological treasures. From Santiago's thriving food and bohemian art scene to the forests of Villarrica, there is something in Chile for everyone. At the core of all study paths in Chile is community involvement. Depending on your interests, you may find yourself in an indigenous village, a human rights NGO, or wine country. The options are yours in Chile.
Academic Planning for Study Abroad
Stay on Track to Graduate
Studying abroad integrates into your degree when you plan ahead. Discover how UC credit transfers, explore courses that satisfy major or general education requirements, and read student tips on planning what courses to take abroad. Connect with your campus advisor early to build a schedule that aligns with your graduation timeline.
Family and Support
Involve Your Support Network
Bringing your family into your study abroad plans early helps everyone feel confident and prepared. Share key details about health, safety, finances, and academic credit using our family and support network guide. For advice on starting informative and constructive conversations, check out our tips for talking with your family and friends about your global goals.
Questions about study abroad?
Get Application Support
Connect with our advising team to get your questions answered and start planning your study abroad experience! Here are some of the advising options available:
- Interactive workshops to set goals, explore academic and funding resources, and prepare your application.
- Drop-in advising to speak with region-specific advisors.
- Individual virtual sessions for specialized guidance focused on your target region.
- Don't forget to meet with advisors at your home UC campus for academic planning, major credit petitions, and campus financial aid.
Planning Steps to Study Abroad
Mapping Your Study Abroad Journey
Preparing to study abroad takes up to a year, and the best way to avoid missing out is to start right now. Deadlines for program applications, travel documents, course approvals, and scholarship applications arrive quickly. Check our interactive timeline to pinpoint your next step for this term and keep your plans on schedule.
Funding and Affordability
Paying for Study Abroad
Your UC financial aid, grants, and scholarships travel with you, and some programs cost less than a term on campus. Explore the Making Study Abroad Affordable Guide (written by UC students who've done it) for budgeting tips, estimating your expenses, and making your global experience fit your financial plan.
My internship in Chile is the closest I’ve ever been to finding my calling, and I am incredibly thankful for the time and the love that people showed me.
Standing in front of a class and teaching in Spanish for an hour was a great way to improve my language level and increase my confidence. I also gained more clarity on the roles and responsibilities of a teacher. To experience the dynamics of a classroom was a goal I was able to achieve through my internship abroad.
As much as my study abroad experience was an incredible adventure, it was also a personal transformation. I departed Chile with a deeper appreciation of the world's vastness, all its cultures and peoples, and the realization that we are all a part of its great interconnectedness.
Studying abroad is like being reborn. Everything is new, your senses are heightened, and you find yourself in a state of perpetual learning, from chatting with neighbors on the street to meeting Mapuche community members who have lived in harmony with the natural world for generations.
Study abroad was a really good learning experience. I came out of it a much more confident person. I felt more adult, more grown up. I learned a lot about myself and other cultures, languages, and people. I made a lot of friends and got to travel to some of the most beautiful places on Earth.
The classes at PUC were incredible because they were about Latin America and taught by Latin Americans. I took a political science class taught by an influential figure in Chilean feminist politics. The fact that the classes transferred to my degree made it even better. Best of all, I had the opportunity to live in a welcoming society and witness real-time change in Chilean politics – it was an amazing experience.
